Trifocal femur fracture with intracapsular femoral neck, open diaphyseal, and distal complete articular fractures

Trauma Case Rep. 2024 Mar 21:51:100999. doi: 10.1016/j.tcr.2024.100999. eCollection 2024 Jun.

Abstract

We describe a trifocal femur injury with intracapsular femoral neck fracture, diaphyseal fracture with bone loss, and distal complete articular (AO/OTA C type) fracture, an injury rarely described in the literature. Surgical management utilized a not-yet-reported implant combination: screw-side plate device for the intracapsular femoral neck, retrograde nail for the diaphysis, and lag screws plus mini fragment buttress plating for the distal fracture. The patient had uneventful fracture union with no changes in alignment. Given the rarity and complexity of this injury, there is little consensus on surgical technique and implant choice. This case demonstrates a modernized approach that may be useful for surgeons who encounter similar fracture patterns in their practice.

Keywords: Intra-articular; Intra-capsular; Multifocal fracture; Open fracture; Trifocal femur fracture.

Publication types

  • Case Reports